The government of Rwanda officially banned skin lightening and bleaching cosmetic products. It is high time that India should get over its obsession with fair skin

New Delhi: The government of Rwanda officially banned skin lightening and bleaching creams and other products. The East African country's government is sending officials across the country to implement the ban. The ban had been imposed by the Ministry of Health and the Rwanda Food and Drug Authority and the Rwanda Standards Board last month.

A representative of the Rwanda Standards Board told CNN that Rwanda is leading a campaign against skin bleaching and substandard cosmetic products, particularly those that have hydroquinone, a skin lightening agent.

Quite unhealthy among other things. Includes use of prohibited chemicals. MoH and RNP need to reign this in very quickly...! https://t.co/zRvJRa8Dcq

In November 2018, President Paul Kagame talked about the need to ban the sale of skin whiteners on Twitter when a woman asked the government to take action against skin bleaching. Kagame said that bleaching creams are unhealthy as they use prohibited chemicals. He asked the health ministry and police "to reign this in very quickly."

Government officials and police who are patrolling the beauty shops across the country have seized over 5,000 bleaching products such as lotions, oils, soaps and sprays.

According to World Health Organisation, skin lightening products contain chemicals like mercury and hydroquinone that can cause severe health problems such as liver damage, anxiety, depression, psychosis and reduce resistance to bacterial and fungal infections.

Having a fairer skin is a dream of many boys and girls in India. Many of them are taunted every now and then for having a dark skin colour. The perception of Indian society that lighter skin colour is better has popularised fairness creams for both men and women across the country.

It is high that time India should get over its obsession with fair skin. The fairness cream industry in India is reportedly worth about $450 million. South Asia sells skin lightening screams more than bottles of Coca Cola, BBC reported once.

Times Network - India's Leading Broadcasting Network, uniquely offering English Entertainment, best in class News channels & Bollywood Masala, available at a Value pack (7 channels) of Rs 13/- per month.

Please contact your cable/DTH service provider now and ensure that your TV viewing experience is complete. To know more click here.

Rwanda bans skin lightening products, what can India learn?Description:The government of Rwanda officially banned skin lightening and bleaching cosmetic products. It is high time that India should get over its obsession with fair skinTimes Now